“Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this gel as a preventive measure to stop the initial infection,” said Joshua Hood, an instructor in medicine at Washington University.

Bee products have been used to cure ailments for hundreds of years, if not longer. Bees are considered master chemists of the animal kingdom, as almost every product associated with them offers some sort of benefit. Honey, for example, can not only be used as a sweet food product, but is also a great treatment for burns and wounds due to its high sugar concentration and natural antibacterial qualities. Likewise, royal jelly—the queen bee’s food source—is a great antioxidant, source of amino acid and antibiotic. People even use bee stings in the form of apitherapy to treat auto immune diseases, arthritis, gout and multiple sclerosis.

The same type of bee venom used in apitherapy contains the potent toxin studied by the Washington University professors. The potent toxin melittin pokes holes in the protective envelop surrounding HIV, as well as other viruses, thereby destroying it. The discovery varies from other HIV treatments in that it attacks the virus’ structure, preventing the infection. Other treatments aim to inhibit HIV’s ability to replicate, but do little to stop initial infection.

“We are attacking an inherent physical property of HIV,” Hood said. “Theoretically, there isn’t any way for the virus to adapt to that. The virus has to have a protective coat, a double-layered membrane that covers the virus.”

The scientists hope their discovery will lead to the development of a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV. But Hood also believes the finding eventually lead to therapies for existing HIV infections, particularly for those that are drug-resistant.

“The basic particle that we are using in these experiments was developed many years ago as an artificial blood product,” Hood said. “It didn’t work very well for delivering oxygen, but it circulates safely in the body and gives us a nice platform that we can adapt to fight different kinds of infections.”

According to the paper’s senior author, Samuel Wickline, melittin can also be used to kill tumor cells. And other viruses, such as hepatitis B and C, rely on the same protective envelope as HIV, and therefore could also be targeted by melittin.

Though we continue to stress the importance of protection when it comes to our sexual health, high numbers continue to astound us. Somehow, somewhere, someone is ignoring both their education and the statistics, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Taking control of our sexual health should start long before you even become a sexual being. Through educating our children and stressing the importance of self-respect and diligence when it comes to using protection, we have the ability to put a dent in those numbers for the better.

Here are ten things you can do to start protecting your sexual health, if you’re not already doing so.

1. Take your sexual relationships seriously from day one. In this fast-paced world where we get everything from instant Internet connections to 3-minute fast food meals, many people expect everything to move quickly–even their relationships. The pressure to have sex in the early stages of a romantic relationship can be intense, often severing the relationship altogether if one party decides they’re simply not ready to take the first sexual step. Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re not ready to have sex. If your partner doesn’t respect your choices, ask yourself if that is really someone you want to spend time with.
2. Always use protection, and I don’t just mean birth control pills. Sure, the patch and daily oral birth control pills decrease your chances of getting pregnant, but they don’t protect you from contracting STDs.
3. Take charge of protection yourself. Not everyone is going to take using a condom seriously, and some partners may use the excuse of not having one on hand to avoid using one. If you’re armed with protection yourself, that excuse is thrown out the window before it can even be made. If your partner still refuses to use a condom, maybe it’s time to reconsider the serious step you’re about to take in the relationship.
4. Know your body, especially your genitalia. If you are aware of how your body looks, you can easily detect signs of possible infection and schedule a necessary visit to the doctor or clinic for further testing and treatment.
5. See a doctor immediately if you think you may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Early treatment will keep you from spreading the infection to your future partners, who could in turn infect someone else.
6. Don’t have unprotected sex if you have been diagnosed with an STD–ever! Talk to your doctor about safe sex practices to avoid spreading infection to your partner, especially if you have a highly communicable disease like herpes.
7. Ladies, I feel your pain at the mere mention of the word pap smear, but we cannot afford to put these off. From the day you get your first period, scheduling an annual feminine exam that includes a pelvic examination and a pap smear is necessary–even if you’re not sexually active.
8. Talk to your doctor about protective vaccinations, like the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccine. Protecting yourself against infection before it even starts is not just a step in the right direction, but it could save your life. Some doctors will even give the HPV vaccination, which guards against uterine cancer caused by the human papilloma virus, to male patients.
9. Find a doctor who is comfortable talking to you about sex and STIs. Not every doctor will feel comfortable, which can make getting answers to your questions and concerns difficult. If your current doctor isn’t comfortable, find one who is.
10. Abstain. Yes, I know we live in a sexual world where abstinence doesn’t feel like an option, but not having sex–even foreplay–is the ONLY way to eliminate the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Does that mean you should stay a virgin for the rest of your life? Of course not, but abstaining from sex until you have found a partner you trust will keep you sexually healthy.

According to Herpes.com, “Studies show that more than 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with genital herpes each year and the largest increase is occurring in young teens.” A major sign that indicates herpes is one or more blisters appearing on or around the genitals and rectum. After the blisters break, they leave tender ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Outbreaks that occur after the initial one are generally less intense and can occur in the weeks or months following the initial outbreak. The infection stays in the body indefinitely, but can be treated with medications. How does one get herpes? The virus can be found in outbreaks, so direct sexual contact with someone having an outbreak is almost a guaranteed way to be infected with herpes. However, it’s also possible for the virus to be transmitted through the skin when an outbreak hasn’t occurred so any sexual contact increases risk of infection. To lessen the risk of infection, a condom should be used during sexual intercourse. To completely avoid infection, abstaining from sexual contact or being in a monogamous relationship with someone who tested negatively for the virus are the only options.

Unfortunately there are complications involved with herpes. The recurrent genital sores can cause psychological distress in those who know they have it. Since women are generally more infected than men (one in six as opposed to one in nine), women must be careful not to contract the virus during pregnancy. The CDC claims “a newly acquired infection during late pregnancy poses a greater risk of transmission to the baby. If a woman has active genital herpes at delivery, a cesarean delivery is usually performed.” If you have herpes before pregnancy, it is possible to be treated for the virus without posing the risk of added birth defects.

Genital warts are one of the most common types of STDs. Also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminate, affects the moist tissue of the genital area and created flesh colored bumps that may have a cauliflower-like appearance. They are treatable with medications and surgery. The main risk associated with genital warts is the virus that causes it- HPV or the human papillomavirus. The warts themselves are not dangerous, but HPV has been linked to cervical cancer. The Mayo Clinic says, “Certain types of HPV also are associated with cancer of the vulva, cancer of the anus and cancer of the penis. Human papillomavirus infection doesn’t always lead to cancer, but it’s still important for women, particularly if you’ve been infected with certain higher risk types of HPV, to have regular Pap tests.” They can also cause problems during pregnancy. The warts attached to the vaginal wall can enlarge and make urination difficult or can stunt the vaginal tissues ability to expand during the birthing process. A rare problem is a baby born to a mother with genital warts may develop the warts in their throat and the baby risks airway obstruction.

It often takes six weeks to six months after the infection occurs. Genital warts grow more rapidly when the immune system is compromised by things like chemotherapy, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Hodgkin’s disease, or taking anti-rejection drugs after an organ transplant. The warts themselves are not dangerous, but the bleeding they cause could increase risk to HIV. Treatments for genital warts are rather easy to do. Sometimes the body fights off the virus on its own, but if the warts are too uncomfortable you can seek treatment from your health care provider. Some treatments have to be applied by your health care provider, but some treatments can be used at home. In some cases, the warts can be frozen off with cryotherapy or burned off with electrocauterization. Surgery to remove the warts with lasers is also an option.

No STD is a walk in the park. As always, use protection when choosing a new sexual partner and keep yourself safe. Get yourself tested often, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Be careful!

There are a number of reasons for men to make the decision to have a vasectomy reversal. Some elect to have the surgery because of the death of a child, the remarriage to a new partner, or a sufficient improvement in finances that makes it feasible to raise another child. There are some men who choose a vasectomy reversal to ease testicular pain.

So how is a vasectomy reversal performed? The patient is placed under anesthesia and a one to two inch incision is made in the scrotal skin over the site where the old vasectomy was done. The ends of the vas deferens are located and taken from the surrounding scar tissue. A drop of fluid from the testicular end is taken and placed under a microscope on a glass slide. This step determines how the doctor will proceed. Since the testes continue to produce sperm after being separated from the rest of the unit, doctors look to see if the sperm is still whole and healthy. If the fluid only contains sperm parts, the procedure may not produce the best results. The third option is the least desirable one, where the fluid is thick, pasty and contains no sperm. This indicates a rupture has occurred in the epididymis, causing scar tissue blockages in the testicular end of the vas. If these blockages are not found and removed, the surgery will fail.
If there’s healthy sperm found, a vasovasostomy may be performed. Basically the doctor sews the ends of the tubes that carry the sperm, the vas deferens, back together. If the blockages mentioned earlier are found, a vasoepididymostomy may be performed. In this case, the doctor will attach the vas deferens directly to the epididymis. You will not know what is needed ahead of time as these decisions are made during surgery.

As with any surgery, there are risks to consider. Bleeding within the scrotum can occur, causing a hematoma that brings painful swelling. To reduce this risk, avoid aspirin before and after the surgery. Following the doctor’s instructions on rest will also lower this risk. Infection is also possible, though not common if you follow the doctor’s orders for cleanliness. Damage to nerve endings may also occur, which reduces fertility.

Another possible risk is inflammation. Sperm may leak into the scrotum, causing the immune system to form an inflammatory mass called a sperm granuloma. According to the Mayo clinic, “Granulomas usually occur sometime after surgery and can be a sign that the vasectomy reversal wasn’t successful.” If you experience fever, swelling that worsens or won’t reduce, difficulty urinating, a marble sized lump in your scrotum, and/or bleeding from the incision site that continues after pinching the site between two gauze pads for 10 minutes, contact your doctor immediately.

So how does one prepare for a vasectomy reversal? The doctor may check to see if you are producing healthy sperm before the procedure even begins, to see if the procedure is worth going through. Your female partner may also be subjected to fertility tests to determine if a child can be produced if the vasectomy is reversed anyways. Before you choose a doctor, shop around. Ask doctors how many of reversals he or she has performed and how many of his or her patients have successfully fathered children after the procedure is done. Meet with the doctor you choose to discuss the procedure, risks, and potential complications and bring your partner along so they know how to aid you after the procedure (if their presence is appropriate).

For two weeks before and after the surgery, avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) as they increase your risk of bleeding. If you experience any pain, take Tylenol as instructed. Your doctor may ask you to clean and shave your scrotum before the surgery and to bring a clean athletic supporter (jock strap) with you to wear after the surgery. The whole procedure takes two to four hours and is outpatient, but you’ll need recovery time from the anesthesia so arrange for someone to drive you to and from the facility (usually a center or a hospital).

After the surgery, take it easy. Do not bathe or swim for the first two days after the procedure and refrain from sports and heavy lifting for at least two weeks. If you have a desk job, you may be able to return after three days of rest, but the doctor will determine when you can resume work if your job is physically strenuous. Refrain from sexual intercourse or ejaculation for at least four weeks after the reversal and you’ll need to wear your jock strap for several weeks (except when bathing) for several weeks. Before going under the knife, make absolutely sure that you wish to have this procedure done. While a vasectomy is very straight forward, a reversal is considerably more involved and can cost around $10,000 or more. Since it’s an elective surgery, most insurance companies do not cover it. Only you can determine if it’s all worth it!

If you prefer to keep the hair gone longer, plucking can be a nice method. Plucking also doesn’t change the color, density or texture of the hair, but may be considerably more painful than shaving since the hair is being pulled from the follicle. Plucking is more time consuming than shaving as you can only pull a few hairs out at a time and the hair shaft must be long enough for the tweezers to grasp it. However, enough damage over time to the follicle may keep it from reproducing hair ever again, thus making plucking more effective.

Waxing is an effective way to remove a lot of hair at once. Wax is warmed in a vessel of some kind and then spread over the skin in the direction of the hair you wish to remove. The hair becomes stuck in the wax as the wax cools, making it easier to remove. The wax is pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth, removing the hair from its follicle. Like plucking, waxing can be rather painful at times and caution must be taken with the wax so you don’t burn your skin. If any dried wax is left on the skin it must be scraped or peeled off.

Sugar waxing is also another alternative. It works in the traditional method of waxing, but instead of wax, a thick caramel like substance is used. The caramel is spread on the skin in the same direction as the hair growth, allowing the hair to embed in the sugary substance. A piece of cloth or a paper strip is patted down on top of the caramel and, when cool, the wax is pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Since the sugary substance is water soluble, it’s much easier to remove than traditional wax.
Depilatory creams* are as easily accessible and generally work quickly to remove hair. The creams are designed to break down the protein in the hair to dissolve the hair completely. People with coarse hair may find depilatories less effective, so test patch of skin before trying a large area. They’re best used on legs, underarms, and bikini areas but may cause allergic reactions (i.e. rash or inflammation) for people with sensitive skin. Make sure to read all directions before use.

A more permanent method of hair removal is electrolysis. A specialist uses a machine that inserts a hair-thin metal probe into the hair follicle. If done correctly, this probe should not puncture the skin. Electricity is sent through the probe and into the follicle, causing localized damage to the area and stopping hair growth. Electrolysis has the best track record among hair removal methods, but it has its downsides. This particular method can be very expensive over time, it can be rather painful (you’re sending electricity into your skin), it’s tedious, and can be overly difficult with a large amount of hair. If the procedure is done improperly, partial to full hair re-growth may occur, there can be lasting skin damage, and infection can be spread. Another problem is that regulation for this method varies by state, so there’s not much regulation to ensure the programs are being completed safely and competently. Personal electrolysis machines exist and claim to be easy to use, but one should not perform this procedure without proper training.

Laser hair removal does slow down the re-growth of hair, but it’s not for everyone. Lasers work by emitting light at various wavelengths, energy output, and pulse widths. Most lasers used for hair removal target the melanin in the skin- the more melanin, the more damage is done. Thus this procedure is best for people with lighter skin and dark hair and since the hair does grow back, the treatment must be repeated.

There are prescription creams like Vaniqa that are FDA approved to remove hair, but it’s designed specifically for facial hair. The active ingredient in Vaniqa is eflornithine hydrochloride, a medicine designed to treat African sleeping sickness and certain cancers. The medicine seeps into the pore and inhibits the enzyme that is needed for cell reproduction and other cell functions for hair growth. The main problem with using the cream is that if you stop, the unwanted hair comes back.

Whether you want a more permanent method or something easier, hair removal is right at your fingertips.

Free Eye Screenings Targeting Latinos in Los Angeles- (Via LA Times)

A proposed sex ed curriculum for public schools in Helena, Montana, has pushed local parents to speak out. Several hundred parents attended a school board meeting to discuss the proposal. Helena parent Brian Ackerman said, “Ninety-five percent, if not 99 percent, is really, really good stuff.” However, he continued, “It’s not something we can attach 100 percent agreement with all of the committee members.”

And, let’s be realistic: Is there any way that all the parents of the mountain town will agree 100 percent with any sex ed curriculum proposal that the school board comes up with? Absolutely not.
The proposal’s guide contains the following points that parents are conflicted about:

-In kindergarten, students will learn the names of their body parts. I’m guessing this includes “penis” and “vagina.”

-First-graders will be taught that people “can love people of the same gender and people of another gender.” However, the word “homosexual” wouldn’t enter the scene until the fifth grade.

-Fifth-graders will learn that sexual intercourse “includes but is not limited to vaginal, oral, or anal penetration.”

So what do you think? Is this curriculum guide introducing mature, sexually-related material too early on?

Photo: Source

While people are hesitant to jump to conclusions, this could be a huge step in the fight against AIDS. Currently, there are more than 33 million people around the world living with AIDS. Two million people died from AIDS in 2008. The potential benefits of the gel could be astronomical. In South Africa, the gel could prevent 1.3 million infections and 826,000 deaths over the next two years. The lead researcher on the study, Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, presented his results at this year’s International AIDS Conference.

The microbicide gel will need to go through further studies and prove to be at least 80 percent effective before it will ever be licensed in countries like the United States. As well as cutting in half a heterosexual woman’s chances of contracting AIDS, the gel also cuts in half the chances of contracting the herpes virus that causes genital warts.

The effectiveness of the gel at preventing the spread of AIDS is the second big advance in that area in the past year. Last year, scientists found that an experimental HIV vaccine cut risk of infection by 30 percent.

Photo: Source

Researchers from the University of Florence, Italy, gathered together 2,000 men to participate in the study. The participants’ sexual health was examined, and they were also monitored for symptoms related to depression.

The study results showed that men suffering from ED who also exhibit depression-related symptoms are most likely to experience cardiovascular troubles down the road. Cardiologist at the Heart Hospital of Austin Dr. Stanly Wang stated, “If you have erectile dysfunction, then moving forward over the next five years, your chance of having a heart attack is almost doubled and your chance of dying from a heart-related problem is almost doubled, as well.”

Furthermore, the study showed that using anti-depressant drugs to ease depression symptoms had no affect on the connection between the symptoms and cardiovascular problems.

Lead researcher Elisa Bandini stated, “Recognizing depressive symptoms in subjects with erectile dysfunction is mandatory not only for improving their sexual life, but also for preventing cardiovascular diseases.”

Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Sexual Medicine Irwin Goldstein said, “What is important about this study is the broader concept of the sexual medicine problem no longer being just about a man’s performance in the bedroom, but about his psychological mood and his cardiovascular health.”

Photo: Source

The study was published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health and was conducted by four female medical professionals at the University of British Columbia. Results from a survey of over 30,000 students in 2003 were re-examined. The study looked at homestay students from East Asian countries and then compared them with immigrant teenagers who lived with their parents in Canada as well as Canadian-born East Asian teens.

Over 3,000 homestay students were in the sample. The study’s results showed that 23.3% of homestay females had been sexually abused. Only 8.9% of immigrant children and 8% of Canadian-born kids said the same. With boys, 5.9% of homestays reported sexual abuse while only 3.9% of immigrant kids and 2.2% of Canadian-born children said the same.

Study co-author Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc reported, “I’m sure most of the host families are fabulous. But we found unexpectedly high levels of health outcomes and especially the issue related to abuse that suggests clearly that not all families are okay and not all agencies are quite careful enough in screening.”

Drugs, cigarettes, recreational computer use, and playing hooky were also more common among homestay students.

Photo: Talkshoe